The All-New Omega Constellation Observatory Assortment (incl. Video)

The launch of a brand new assortment from a model as necessary as Omega is at all times a major occasion. On this explicit case, nevertheless, it’s not strictly the introduction of a wholly new design, however somewhat the revealing of a brand new household of Constellation watches impressed by a historic mannequin’s aesthetics. What additionally makes this launch particularly compelling is that, past its design continuity, it comes with a noteworthy innovation concerning the watch certification. The 2026 Omega Constellation Observatory is the primary two-hand watch to be licensed as a Grasp Chronometer. Which is all of the extra shocking for an statement chronometer…

The New Omega Constellation Observatory

Earlier than delving into the attention-grabbing matter of its chronometric certification, we’ll start with a brief presentation of this new Omega Constellation Observatory. Beginning as a chronometer for males in 1952the Constellation design was an evolution of the limited-edition “Centenary” chronometer from 1948. Over its lengthy historical past, the mannequin has undergone numerous aesthetic evolutions and transformations. Amongst these are the so-called pie-pan dial Constellations of the Nineteen Fifties, with the Constellation Star at 6 o’clock and Observatory medallion on the caseback. The dog-leg lugs are one other distinctive characteristic of the Omega fashions of the period.

The brand new Constellation Observatory reinterprets this classic design language into a contemporary 39,4mm case obtainable in metal, gold or platinum/gold. Using two field sapphire crystals permits for a comparatively skinny case band in comparison with the general thickness of the watch (12.23mm in whole), enabling it to take a seat elegantly on the wrist. The case can also be comparatively quick, with a 47.2mm lug-to-lug measurement. As a nod to the previous, the Omega Constellation Observatory goes again to the traditional but distinctive form of the gathering, with the uniquely-shaped dog-leg lugs.

One other reference to the previous is the return of the pie-pan dial, which showcases a guilloché sample alongside its periphery (besides one model). The faceted “kite-shaped” utilized indexes are paired with kite-shaped fingers. The Omega emblem and Constellation Star are utilized whereas the Observatory, Co-axial and Grasp Chronometer captions are transferred.

The watch is launched in numerous iterations, both in Omega’s personal metal alloy, named O-MEGASTEEL, obtainable in silver opaline with gold markers/fingers, in blue or inexperienced PVD or with a refined, non-engraved black ceramic dial. All are worn on shiny alligator leather-based straps. Then come a number of valuable variations, in all of Omega’s personal gold alloys. The Moonshine (yellow) gold model has an identical dial and will be ordered with a leather-based strap or a mesh bracelet. Additionally obtainable are a Sedna (rose) gold and Canopus (white) gold version, each with matching dials and worn on a leather-based strap. The ultimate version is a platinum-gold mannequin, which brings all 4 of the model’s proprietary valuable steel alloys collectively in a single assortment for the primary time.

After which got here our largest shock, after we found that this watch, proudly named Observatoryis a straightforward two-hand mannequin and not using a central seconds hand. A chronometer, much more so an observatory chronometer, usually incorporates a second hand to permit exact time studying all the way down to the second. And till now, a second hand has been required to certify a watch as a chronometer. However when you consider it, why shouldn’t the precision of a two-hander even be certifiable? However we’ll come again to this later.

The sapphire crystal on the again permits to find the in-house automated motion. This new Omega Constellation Observatory depends on two new calibres (despite the fact that based mostly on the traditional 89xx structure) that includes a skeletonised rotor with an utilized Constellation Observatory medallion.

• The Caliber 8915 Grand Luxurious for the 950 platinum-gold version. The Observatory medallion is in 18K white gold, laser-ablated, with its darkish blue sky enamelled with aventurine glass and highlighted by eight stars, the Observatory dome crammed with translucent white opal enamel.
• The Caliber 8915 Luxurious for the 18K gold assortment. It incorporates a steadiness bridge (together with for the primary use of an 18K Moonshine gold rotor and steadiness bridge in OMEGA’s historical past). Its medallion is in 18K gold with laser-ablated parts.
• The Calibre 8914 Customary powers the O-MEGASTEEL Constellations and replicates the Calibre 8915 Luxe in full rhodium-plated end.

The First Two-Hand Watch to Obtain Grasp Chronometer Certification

Now that we now have been via the fundamentals of the brand new Omega Constellation Observatory fashions, let’s delve into the Grasp Chronometer certification of those watches, accomplished in the brand new Precision Laboratory.

There may be typically an inclination to consider that mechanical watches have been higher up to now. This isn’t the case. In the present day’s technical developments make it potential to supply watches of upper high quality, notably by way of sturdiness and precision. That is mirrored within the prolonged guarantee durations that many manufacturers now provide. It’s also evident within the rising emphasis on certification, whether or not for accuracy or resistance to magnetic fields, with more and more stringent and complicated standards. The business is evolving, introducing new requirements, measurement processes, and certifications that proceed to lift the bar for efficiency and reliability. It might be troublesome to call all developments within the discipline, however as this text is a few new Omega watch, I’ll give attention to the Grasp Chronometer certification (launched by Omega, open to all manufacturers) and the COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Management), which not too long ago introduced its Excellence Chronometerits new, stricter normal in chronometry.

The Grasp Chronometer certification launched by Omega is extra complete than the COSC as a result of it represents a way more rigorous and complete “real-world” validation of the whole timepiece. Whereas the COSC solely assessments the mechanical motion earlier than it’s even positioned in its case, the Grasp Chronometer (METAS) certification assessments totally assembled, completed watches. This is a vital distinction as a result of the method of assembling the dial and fingers, or just the motion right into a case, can typically alter its precision. The efficiency requirements for a Grasp Chronometer are additionally considerably stricter. A COSC-certified watch is allowed to lose as much as 4 seconds or acquire as much as 6 seconds per day. In distinction, a Grasp Chronometer mustn’t ever lose time; its tolerance is strictly between 0 and +5 seconds per day.

Past easy timekeeping, the Grasp Chronometer certification addresses points present in a contemporary atmosphere, particularly magnetism. Whereas the COSC doesn’t topic actions to high-intensity magnetic fields, METAS requires the watch to stay correct whereas uncovered to fifteen,000 Gauss – the equal of being positioned immediately towards an MRI machine. Lastly, METAS additionally verifies the producer’s claims concerning water resistance and energy reserve, making certain that each useful side of the watch meets its marketed specs. That stated, the recently-launched Excellence Chronometer by the COSC addresses a few of these points too.

Till now, chronometric certification assessments such because the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) have relied on optical cameras. These programs confirm whether or not a motion maintains accuracy over time by capturing photos at particular moments. For instance, {a photograph} is taken to test the place of the seconds hand and detect any deviation over a protracted testing interval. This strategy has its strengths, because it displays efficiency over time and will be extra significant in some respects than a easy instantaneous measurement.

What is really modern at this time with Omega’s Precision Laboratory is the emergence of a brand new normal based mostly on steady acoustic evaluation. This methodology listens to each oscillation of the escapement all through the whole testing interval. In different phrases, each “heartbeat” of the watch is monitored and analysed over time, somewhat than counting on remoted snapshots. This permits for an entire and detailed understanding of the watch’s efficiency.

With conventional strategies, a watch would possibly acquire time at one level and lose it later, finally exhibiting solely a mean end result on the finish of the check. The brand new methodology, nevertheless, reveals precisely what occurs at every particular person beat, providing a much more exact and clear image.

A helpful analogy could be blood stress monitoring: it’s much more informative to trace a affected person’s blood stress repeatedly all through the day than to take a single measurement within the day. A one-time studying would possibly seem regular, whereas vital variations in the course of the day would go unnoticed. Steady monitoring, however, offers a way more correct evaluation of the affected person’s situation.

To carry out this check, OMEGA developed what the model calls the Twin Metric Expertise. The watches are positioned in a wi-fi, self-contained testing unit that consolidates all Chronometer and Grasp Chronometer certification processes right into a single gadget. This unit repeatedly captures the sound of every beat whereas recording environmental parameters: temperature, place, magnetic fields and atmospheric stress all through 25 days of testing.

The Precision Laboratory is formally authorised by SAS (the Swiss Accreditation Service) to hold out various and unbiased testing. Its testing procedures are open to different manufacturers.

Availability and value

The brand new Omega Constellation Observatory launches with 9 totally different references ranging. O-MEGASTEEL on leather-based with a selection of silver, blue or inexperienced dial. A fourth O-MEGASTEEL model options an inky black ceramic pie-pan dial. Moonshine gold on mesh or leather-based. Sedna gold, Canopus gold and platinum/gold on leather-based. The nine-row brick sample on the 18K Moonshine Gold mesh bracelet attracts on classic brick bracelets of the Constellation’s early years. Value begins from EUR 10,700 in metal and EUR 37,300 for valuable metals.

For extra particulars, please go to www.omegawatches.com.